Descendants 5: Title, Cast, And Release Date—Everything We Know About The Sequel (2026 Update)

As of December 11, 2025, the wait is officially over for fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Disney Descendants universe. Disney has confirmed that a fifth installment is not only in the works but is already moving quickly through production! Following the massive success of the 2024 film Descendants: The Rise of Red, the franchise is set to continue the adventures of the newest generation of Villain Kids (VKs) and Royal Offspring. This new film, which serves as a direct sequel to The Rise of Red, has a confirmed release window, a new title, and a plot that promises to take the story to a whole new magical realm.

The original trilogy, starring Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, and Cameron Boyce, established a beloved world in Auradon, but the new era, led by Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker, is proving just as popular. The upcoming fifth movie, often referred to by fans as Descendants 5, is poised to be one of the biggest Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM) of its time, cementing the new cast and storyline as the future of the franchise. Here is every confirmed detail, from the cast list to the plot and the highly anticipated release date.

The Confirmed Details: Title, Release Window, and Plot

The biggest questions surrounding any major franchise sequel are always "When?" and "What is it about?" For Descendants 5, Disney has provided clear and exciting answers, confirming that the new movie will build directly upon the foundation laid by Red and Chloe’s time-traveling adventure.

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1. The Official Release Window: Summer 2026

Fans won't have to wait long after the major success of the fourth film. Disney has officially announced that the fifth installment is expected to premiere in the Summer of 2026. This places the movie on a biennial schedule, keeping the momentum going for the new storyline. The film will be a Disney Channel Original Movie, premiering on both the Disney Channel and the streaming platform Disney+, ensuring maximum accessibility for the global fanbase.

2. The New Title: Descendants: Wicked Wonderland

While often simply called Descendants 5, the official title for the sequel to The Rise of Red is reportedly Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. This title is a major clue about the film's setting and primary conflict. The name suggests a direct connection to the classic Disney story Alice in Wonderland, a theme that has been subtly introduced in the franchise before but is now taking center stage. The shift to a new, fully realized magical location is a major development for the franchise's world-building.

3. The Plot Takes Red and Chloe to Wonderland

The storyline for the fifth film is confirmed to pick up shortly after the events of the previous movie. The main plot will follow Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella, as they journey to the realm of Wonderland. This is a natural progression, as Red’s heritage is tied directly to the infamous Queen of Hearts, whose kingdom is Wonderland. The film is expected to explore the bizarre, often chaotic, and uniquely musical world of Wonderland, introducing new characters who are the offspring of classic Wonderland figures like the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the White Rabbit. This focus allows the franchise to dive deep into a new pocket of the Disney universe, expanding the lore beyond Auradon and the Isle of the Lost.

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Meet the Returning Cast and New Entities in Wonderland

The success of Descendants: The Rise of Red was largely due to the chemistry of its new leads and the return of beloved characters. The fifth movie will solidify this new core cast while bringing back some major royal figures.

The Core Duo: Red and Chloe

The sequel is anchored by the return of its two main stars:

• Kylie Cantrall as Red: The rebellious and quick-witted daughter of the Queen of Hearts. Her journey into Wonderland will be personal, as she confronts her mother's kingdom and potentially new family members.
• Malia Baker as Chloe: The studious and kind daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Her role as the stabilizing force for Red will be crucial as they navigate the unpredictable chaos of Wonderland.

Their dynamic is the heart of the new series, and fans are excited to see their friendship tested and strengthened in a completely new environment.

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Returning Royal and Villain Parents

Two major stars from The Rise of Red are also confirmed to reprise their roles, adding continuity and star power to the fifth film:

• Brandy as Cinderella: The benevolent Queen of Auradon and Chloe’s mother.
• Rita Ora as Queen Red (The Queen of Hearts): Red’s villainous mother. Her presence in the film, likely from her prison in the Isle of the Lost or potentially a brief return to Wonderland, will be a central conflict point for Red.

The return of these high-profile characters underscores Disney's commitment to maintaining a connection between the new storyline and the established history of the Descendants world. Furthermore, the film is expected to introduce new VKs, the children of other iconic Disney villains, to expand the ensemble cast and the potential for future spin-offs.

The Future of the Descendants Franchise: Beyond Auradon

The shift in focus from the original core four (Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos) to Red and Chloe marks a significant evolution for the Descendants franchise. The new creative direction, which began with The Rise of Red, is clearly focused on exploring new territories and expanding the magical scope of the Disney universe.

Expanding the Lore: The Importance of Wonderland

The first three Descendants movies were primarily set in Auradon and the Isle of the Lost, focusing on themes of redemption and bridging the gap between good and evil. The introduction of Wonderland in the fifth film suggests a move toward high fantasy and adventure. Wonderland is a realm of pure magic and nonsensical rules, which offers a stark contrast to the structured, royal world of Auradon. This new setting will allow for:

• New Musical Styles: Expect the soundtrack to incorporate the whimsical and sometimes psychedelic elements of Wonderland, moving beyond the pop-rock sound of the earlier films.
• Unpredictable Conflict: The villains of Wonderland are less about world domination and more about chaos, which will present a unique challenge to the heroes.
• Visual Spectacle: The visual effects budget is likely to be significant to bring the iconic, brightly colored, and surreal landscapes of Wonderland to life.

Production Status and Anticipation

The greenlight for Descendants 5, or Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, came quickly after the successful reception of the previous movie, demonstrating Disney’s confidence in the new cast and creative team. Production is already underway, with filming expected to ramp up to meet the Summer 2026 release window. This rapid turnaround is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the high demand from fans for more content. The enthusiasm surrounding the official confirmation and the early details about the plot and cast has generated significant social media buzz, indicating that the fifth movie is already one of the most anticipated DCOMs in recent memory.

In summary, the question of "when is Descendants 5 coming out" has a solid answer: Summer 2026. With a new title, a confirmed plot centered in Wonderland, and the return of the fan-favorite cast, the future of the Descendants franchise is bright, musical, and delightfully wicked. The sequel promises to be a spectacular adventure that will continue the legacy of exploring what it means to be a hero when your parents are villains.